In 1982, Michael Jackson broke records. No, he didn’t literally smash vinyl on his kitchen room floor. His record broke records. Thriller became the number one bestselling album in history launching him as the King of Pop.
Jackson’s video release of his number one song taken from his album – Thriller - took the world by storm. Choreographed by Michael Peters, Jackson’s dance moves, supported by other dancers, influenced future music artists from Aaliyah to Adam Levine.
Choreographed music videos are important because they enhance the storytelling and emotional resonance of the song. The movements and gestures of dancers can convey the message and emotions of the lyrics, creating a deeper connection with the audience.
In later years, choreographers like Wade Robson, who choreographed Britney Spears and NSYNC videos, became major influences in music videos of the late 1990s and early 21st century.
Without dancers moving to music, the song is less direct and unemotional to the person experiencing it.
Even Busby Berkley, the dance choreographer of the 1930s, recognized that dancing illuminates the song and video like a painter who illuminates a painting through his or her brushstrokes.